Babies’ tummies are tiny and can reserve less fluids in their bodies when compared to elder children and adults. Till 6 months, babies get all the fluids they need through their regular feedings by breast milk or formula. But if they are exposed to high temperatures or loses fluids through fever, vomiting, diarrhea or sweating, they quickly become dehydrated.

Once babies are introduced to solid foods, small amounts of liquids will start to come from other sources such as juices, fruits, vegetables and sips of water. As the amount of breast milk intake decreases, make sure to keep your baby hydrated by giving plenty of fluids.

Signs of Dehydration:

If your baby has fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, you should watch carefully for the signs of dehydration which include:

Dry skin

Cracked lips

Few or no tears while crying

Sunken eyes

Less urinary output

How to Treat Dehydration in Babies:

Treating dehydration is to replace fluids to restore levels of body fluids to normal. Some of the important tips to hydrate your baby when he is severely dehydrated are follows:

Rest your child in a cool environment, until the lost fluid has been restored.

Instead of feeding every few hours, feed small amounts for every half hour.

Dilute juices if your older infant drinks juice.

Offer smaller portions of milk more frequently, if your child is bottle feeding.

Dress infants in weather – appropriate clothing.

Use an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), these are specially designed to help hydrate infants to restore water, sugars and salts which are lost due to dehydration.

If you notice no improvement even after treating your child for dehydration at home, consult a pediatric specialist as the child might need to receive intravenous fluids in the hospital.

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About MaxCure Suyosha

he MaxCure Suyosha has a team of efficient and highly qualified Obstetricians, Gynecologists, Neonatologists & Pediatricians headed by Dr. Manjula Anagani.

Dr. Manjula Anagani is a pioneer in the field of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Laparoscopy and her vision for woman and child care is both compassionate and futuristic. She believes that woman and child care is a complex subject and needs personalized understanding and treatment for each patient. She is also the co-founder of Pratyusha Support, and NGO working in the area of Medical support to poor and needy children and women.